Africa > South Africa: Weather, Map, Costs and Travel Guide

The beautiful landscapes and fascinating cultural contrasts will not leave you indifferent. Apart from its political evolution over the last few decades, South Africa is admirable in many other ways.

Johannesburg is a must: Blacks and whites finally live side by side in peace. The animated centre, the Apartheid Museum, a visit to Soweto, will all give you a glimpse of this country’s evolution.

The Cap reaches to the base of Table Mountain with a superb backdrop of mountains and beaches. It will take you days before you run out of sights to see: The flea market at Greenmarket Square, the cable car climb to Table Mountain, the botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch, the port with its lively nightlife, the nature reserves around the Cape of Good Hope towards the south are just a few examples.

One of the largest reserves in the world, the Kruger National Park, offers you the opportunity to discover the Africa of your dreams: Lions, elephants, buffalo, antelopes, giraffes that you can approach by car as they wander freely amongst grandiose landscapes. You can equally spend one or two nights there, camping out or in more luxurious structures.

Durban and its surroundings are also worth a detour, for the beaches and warm water but also for the Indian Quarter, the market and the large Juma Mosque. Surfing fans will find internationally renowned surf spots here.

As time goes by, the country is becoming better serviced by the airlines: You can land at Johannesburg, also at the Cap or Durban.

You do not need a visa if you are coming from the European Union.
The currency is the South African Rand.
You can easily change your Euros.

Concerning your planned budget, you can eat well for around €10 and get a double room for €40. Note that cuisine from around the world is easily available and you will be rarely disappointed. The same goes for the types of lodging which are numerous and varied and offer services comparable to those of Europe at more interesting prices.

There are certain health precautions that concern the tourista outside the larger towns, including the knowledge of certain parasites (do not bathe in fresh water) as well as concerning AIDS and Hepatitis B.

Security is still a little precarious in certain areas and under certain conditions: Be vigilant in larger towns.

As the country is so large you will probably have to move around: Buses serve popular destinations although renting a car is a good solution as the road network is excellent.